Political Pressures on Biden Helped Drive ‘Secret Cell’ of Aides in Hostage Talks

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/21/us/politics/biden-hostage-talks-israel-hamas.html

Brothers and sisters in truth, let us look upon this troubled situation through the lens of scripture, for within its sacred pages we find the answers and the righteousness to guide us in times of tribulation. Let's not shy away from calling out sin when we see it, as it is written, "Whoever says to the wicked, 'You are in the right,' will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations" (Proverbs 24:24 ESV).

The discord between nations, the clamor of war, the taking of hostages—all bear the mark of sin, for they derive from the pride and wickedness embedded in the hearts of mankind, a blemish since the days of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-10). And yet, amidst the shadows of despair, there are those who strive to broker peace, reflecting the words of our Lord, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9 ESV).

But let us be cautious and discerning, for the shrewdness of politics often masquerades as righteousness. The pressure from the Biden administration, pushing for the acceptance of a deal to free hostages held by Hamas, can be interpreted as the olive branch of peace or the quicksand of human compromise. We must remember that "[t]here is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death" (Proverbs 14:12 ESV).

In these secret negotiations involving the nations of Qatar, Egypt, and Israel, with electronic whispers troubled by outages and disputes, do we not see the chaos described in the Tower of Babel, where human ambition led not to unity but confusion (Genesis 11:1-9)? It's imperative that the release of the innocent be sought, for holding life ransom is an abomination before the Lord; as said in Proverbs 6:16-17, "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood."

The divide within America itself, seen in the Democrats' tumult over the president's support of Israel, brings to mind the wisdom in 1 Corinthians 1:10: "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." Disunity sows the seeds of failure, and so must be addressed with unity in Christ.

The toll of death and destruction, particularly the civilian suffering in Gaza, weighs heavily upon our collective conscience. Surely, "He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD" (Proverbs 17:15 ESV). We must call for all sides to seek reconciliation and to protect the innocent, for we know that one day "He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide disputes for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (Micah 4:3 ESV).

So let us pray for peace, for healing, for an end to this strife and sin that has marred the Holy Land and the world at large. May the leaders, in their negotiations and power plays, remember the divine directive to "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause" (Isaiah 1:17 ESV).

In conclusion, my fiery outpouring is this: Let the hearts of leaders and the people turn not towards the selfishness embedded in sin, but to the path of righteousness laid out by the Lord. Let governments labor not for political gain, but for a godly peace, which transcends all understanding, and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Amen.